I like the title, it's so evocative. I know those kind of bruises.

Dirty, old, black-hearted thing.

Children are no damn good.

I'll hit you so hard it will make your head spin.

I use to have trouble with one memory, I was literally cornered and alone and my mother was beating me about the head and shoulders. If your mother doesn't love you, who does?

I don't know how that managed to heal, how I got a larger view of myself and my stepmother. Bruises can heal. I hope some of yours do quickly freewill and the sleep doesn't torture with nightmares.